The sanctuary was quiet under the twilight sky, its usual calm disturbed by the tension that now thrummed through Liora’s veins. She sat at the edge of the sanctuary’s barrier, her thoughts racing as she waited for Alin. He had sent word earlier, a cryptic message that hinted at something urgent—something dangerous. She had barely slept, her mind occupied with the looming battle, the fae’s inevitable arrival, and now, whatever Alin had to tell her.
When she finally saw him emerge from the shadows, her heart skipped a beat. His copper hair glinted faintly in the low light, and though his expression was as easygoing as ever, there was an undercurrent of seriousness in his amber eyes.
“Liora,” Alin said in a low voice as he approached, glancing over his shoulder to make sure they were alone
